ROCK-PIPIT. 



ANTHUS OBSCURUS {Lath.). 



Alaucla obscura, Latham, Ind. Orn. ii. p. 494 (1790). 

 Anthus aquaticus, Macg. ii. p. 191; Hewitson, i. p. 174. 

 Anthus obscurus, Yarr. ed. 4, i. p. 586 ; Dresser, iii. p. 313. 



Pipi obscur, French ; Strand-Pieper, German. 



This species is a common resident on all the rocky 

 portions of our coasts, and, indeed, in the winter is to 

 be found almost anywhere in the neighbourhood of salt 

 water. The nest is generally placed in a crevice of rock 

 or amongst the grasses or other low vegetation within a 

 short distance of the sea. I found a nest built among 

 the marram-grass on a sand-cliff at Bournemouth, within 

 5 or 6 feet of a constantly frequented path, and in a 

 locality not sufficiently steep to secure it from the intru- 

 sion of any passing dog or cat. I have, however, good 

 reason to believe that the old bird took off her brood in 

 safety. 



